LEARNING OUTCOMES
After the course the student
- Can explain the basic concepts of statistical physics, which include micro- and macrostates, ensembles, partition function, Boltzmann distribution, and equipartition theorem.
- Can explain the concept of entropy according to both classical thermodynamics and the fundamental principles of statistical physics, and determine changes of entropy in thermodynamic processes.
- Can explain the concept of a thermodynamic potential and formulate a suitable thermodynamic potential for a simple physical system for studies of spontaneous processes.
- Can explain the concept of an open quantum system and identify the quantum-mechanical density operator corresponding to a basic quantum system.
Credits: 5
Schedule: 07.01.2025 - 14.02.2025
Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Jami Kinnunen
Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):
CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):
Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):
Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English
CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD
Content
valid for whole curriculum period:
The basic concepts and assumptions of classical thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. The basics of the kinetic theory of gases and simple transport phenomena in ideal gases. Entropy and thermodynamic potentials. The basics of ensemble theory: microcanonical, canonical, and grand canonical ensembles. Introduction to the theory of quantum thermodynamics and applications.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
valid for whole curriculum period:
Teaching methods: Lectures, exercises, and group assignments.
Assessment methods: Pre-lecture assignments, exercises, group assignments, exam or home exam as part of the course grading.
Workload
valid for whole curriculum period:
48 h contact teaching
72 h independent study
DETAILS
Study Material
valid for whole curriculum period:
S. J. Blundell and K. M. Blundell, Concepts in Thermal Physics (Oxford University Press 2006) and other material distributed via the MyCourses work space.
Substitutes for Courses
valid for whole curriculum period:
Prerequisites
valid for whole curriculum period:
FURTHER INFORMATION
Further Information
valid for whole curriculum period:
Teaching Language: English
Teaching Period: 2024-2025 Spring III
2025-2026 Spring III